|
In the summer of 2003, I underwent an arterial bypass operation to try to increase the blood flow to my lower left leg, to try to heal an ulcer, which appeared in December 2002.
Unfortunately, the bypass operation wasn’t successful and I then also contracted the dreaded MRSA virus in the ulcer.
After a year of unbearable pain and immobility, the only option was an above knee amputation. So, on March 1st 2004, I was freed of my pain (and of my left leg above the knee).
My biggest problem after the operation was my Honda X11 Blackbird, which had been sitting there for a long time waiting and wanting to be ridden.
After chatting to the staff at ward C, Morrison Hospital, Swansea and the staff at the Limb Centre (ALAC), to whom I must say I am very grateful for all their time and care, they gave me the address of the NABD.
After a few phone calls I was speaking to Billy and Shirley at NABD who immediately sent me all of the relevant information, they made sure I received everything I needed, information, etc.
After fitting a Proshifter, I was back on the road in four weeks with my prosthetic leg. I now need to learn how to walk again! I must say that my leg has a ‘rotator’ fitted above the knee joint and without this I wouldn’t be able to ride my bike.
It’s wonderful to be independent again and I can now feel nearly normal! But, being a biker, I’ll never be quite normal!
I must say I couldn’t have got through this if it wasn’t for the following - ALAC, Morrison Hospital; a big thank you to my sponsors (NABD) for my grant; Mount Motors, Swansea (01639 883936) for fitting my proshifter and Roy at Proshifters, Derby.
Peter Trotman This NABD grant of £400.00 was sponsored by The Autumn Nabd’ness 4 Rally
|
